Monday Morning Cheerleader: Natalie of the Chargers
By Shawn Donnelly
Esquire
San Diego’s sideline scorcher explains why Philip Rivers is MVP, why Brett Favre needs acupuncture, and why China is about to love the NFL.
The last time we spoke to a Charger Girl, Norv Turner’s 2-5 team looked like a playoff contender about as much as San Diego looked like a candidate to host the Winter Olympics. And Qualcomm Stadium was every bit the metaphorical fortress of ineptitude that the Metrodome literally became this Sunday.
But as it seems to each fall, Norv-ember took hold and the Bolts got on a roll, winning four straight. And after a misstep against the Raiders last week, the Chargers destroyed the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs yesterday to the tune of 31-0, relying on a stingy defense, 207 yards on the ground, and a mature, efficient passing game from Philip Rivers. Helping us make sense of the turnaround is Natalie, an aspiring acupuncturist from Santa Maria, California, with a Dan Foutsian understanding of football — and some Grudenian picks for a double dose of Monday Night Football.
ESQUIRE: Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel missed Sunday’s game after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. If he plays, think it’s still a blowout?
NATALIE: I don’t know if it would have mattered because we played so well. We had a great first drive and it just went from there. We’re one of those teams that sometimes it takes us a little time to warm up, but yesterday we got it going a little sooner and just kept it going. We looked unstoppable.
ESQ: Your Chargers have won five of the last six and sit one game behind the Chiefs in the AFC West. You thinking playoffs?
NAT: I’m always thinking playoffs.
ESQ: But be honest — are the Chiefs legit?
NAT: The Chiefs are a great team, they’ve got a lot of talent. But we’re a great team, too. Hopefully next week we can tie it up with them. I’m feeling good about our chances against San Francisco this Thursday. Coming off yesterday’s win, we’re probably pretty amped, so it might be a good thing that we play again sooner rather than later.
ESQ: Philip Rivers had another solid game yesterday, passing for 226 yards and 2 TDs. But Tom Brady lit up the Bears in the snow for 369 yards and 2 TDs. Who’s your MVP pick, Rivers or Brady?
NAT: Rivers all the way. He should have been MVP last year. He’s so consistent, and he’s really grown up the last few years and become a leader. Everybody knows Brady is good, but it’s time for Rivers to get the spotlight.
ESQ: In Chicago, there was cold, wind, and snow — lots of it. In Minnesota, the roof collapsed. How thankful are you to be cheering in San Diego?
NAT: We’re definitely thankful. Yesterday it was over 80 degrees and sunny. It was actually a little too hot. A couple of the girls got heat exhaustion and had to sit out a quarter. But overall, we realize how lucky we are.
ESQ: We hear you’re helping the NFL spread football to China. Explain.
NAT: Yeah, in September, four of us Charger Girls went to China to promote the NFL. They’re airing games on more stations there now, so the league wanted us to go and show them what we have here in the States. We went to five cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. We sang the Charger fight song at the Great Wall. I think we converted some fans.
ESQ: You’re currently getting a master’s degree in acupuncture. Would you recommend it for something like, say, Brett Favre’s sore throwing shoulder?
NAT: Acupuncture is great. I would strongly suggest it be included with whatever Western medicine he’s getting. It’ll help the blood get back to the area to help nurse the injury. And it will only speed up the healing process. It wouldn’t hurt him in any way.
ESQ: Two big games tonight. First, the MNF game, Baltimore at Houston. Who do you like?
NAT: That’s a tough call. I’m going to have to say Baltimore.
ESQ: And then Minnesota has a “home” game against the Giants in Detroit. If you’re Vikings coach Leslie Frazier, do you start Favre or Tarvaris Jackson?
NAT: Sounds like Brett is really hurt this time. I would probably go with Jackson. But either way, I think Minnesota is going to pull out the win.
ESQ: Let’s say the Chargers squeak into the playoffs. How deep can they go?
NAT: I definitely see them doing damage. Our offense is dangerous and our defense has been playing really well lately. I know we don’t have the best track record in the playoffs, but hopefully we’ve learned from our past mistakes.
ESQ: Excluding the Chargers, who do you see winning the Super Bowl?
NAT: I like the Falcons right now. Atlanta’s really playing well.
ESQ: You’re already performing acupuncture procedures. If a guy is afraid of needles around you, is that a dealbreaker?
NAT: If a guy can admit that he’s a little afraid, that’s okay. But if you’re going to be a Nancy about it and cry, that might make me wonder…
